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In the previous article, we discussed the questions and answers about radiation therapy for pituitary tumors (adenomas). Today we will continue with the section that gives explanations regarding treatment, effects, and recovery from radiation therapy.

Q. Am I or my body fluids radioactive?

A. For practical reason, you are not radioactive while you are receiving your radiation treatment. Anyhow, for a few minutes immediately following each treatment, there does remain very low residual radioactivity in the tissues that have straightly received radiation. It is not risky to others, and no activity restrictions are required.

Q. Can I take medications while receiving radiation treatment?

A. Yes, usually there are no changes to medications while on radiation therapy.

Q. Can I work during my treatments? If not, when can I come back to work?

A. It is up to you and your doctor. Some people favor to relax and may consider coming back to work after a few weeks from completion of radiation treatment. Others select to work while under treatment and can do so without difficulty.

Q. How fast will the treatment be successful? How do I know if the radiation worked?

A. Treatment response differs. Some patients feel that they start to have a response even while on radiation therapy, but most undergo gradual responses ranging from several months between two to three years from the completion of radiation treatment. Anyhow, replies do continue to evolve for several years beyond that. Relying on the nature of your pituitary adenoma, the comeback is measured by imaging the head (MRI or CT), blood or urine tests and how you feel.

Q. What is the chance of the tumor reappearing after radiation treatment?

A. There is roughly a 95 percent chance of controlling your tumor’s growth and 60-80 percent chance of controlling the activity of hormonally active tumors though this does vary relying on the details of your tumor. If the tumor is managed, it is unlikely for it to appear again.

Q. What is proton radiation therapy? How is it different from photon radiation?

A. Protons, like photons, are one more form of high energy ionizing radiation. Unlike photons, protons are particles with notable mass and a positive charge. These stuff of protons make proton emissions easier to shape than photon emissions during treatment. All radiation that emits gives off energy as they travel across the tissue. Proton emissions travel a finite short length. Proton beams are outlined to stop in the target so that there is no extra radiation deposited downstream, on another side of the target. In comparison, photon emissions are radiation emission that goes on and on like an emission of light and will retain energy to the tissues after the target. It is a lower dose than the dose delivered to the target, but sometimes even this low dose can be harmful.

Q. Will there be any side effects to proton radiation?

A. Side effects of radiation linked with photon radiation can also be seen with proton radiation. The chances of most of these side effects are lowered but still include damage to the neighboring brain or other tissues. Sometimes the possibility of hair loss and skin irritation is higher with proton radiation.

Q. How often will I see my Radiation Oncologist after the treatment has been given?

A. Firstly, visits are annual, then just as required. It is very vital that MRI or CTs scans be frequently done.It is important to see your endocrinologist every 6-12 months to monitor pituitary hormones.

Pituitary Tumor Treatment In India

Pituitary Tumor Treatment in India will remove as much of the tumor as possible without harming the nearby structures. This surgery is done by skilled surgeons in India. India having association with the best brain surgeons and hospitals, providing world-class facilities and pituitary tumor treatment cost at affordable rates.